If you’ve been hunting for a reliable, multi-use essential oil that doesn’t break the bank, let me introduce you to NOW Foods 100% Pure Orange Essential Oil. I first picked this up on a whim last year when I was out of my go-to lavender oil, and honestly? It’s become a staple in my self-care routine ever since. At 1 ounce (30mL) total, it’s the perfect size to test out without committing to a huge bottle you’ll never finish, and it’s way more versatile than I ever thought it would be.
How to Use NOW Foods Orange Essential Oil
Let’s start with the basics first: this oil is made using cold-pressed extraction from fresh Citrus sinensis orange peels, so it has that bright, sweet, sunny scent that instantly makes any room feel cozier. You don’t have to stick to just diffusing it though—seriously, this stuff can do so much more than just smell good.
First up, aromatherapy is the most obvious use, and it’s my favorite. I add a few drops to my diffuser every morning when I’m sipping coffee and checking my emails, and it does such a good job of waking me up without the jittery crash that energy drinks give you. I’ve also kept a small travel bottle of it in my purse for when I’m stuck in a stuffy office or stuck in a long car ride—just a quick whiff and I instantly feel less stressed and more focused.
But wait, there’s way more you can do with it! Let’s run through all the creative uses I’ve tried (and loved):
- Add a few drops to your favorite body lotion or body wash for a subtle, fresh citrus scent that lingers all day
- Mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil for a relaxing massage oil that boosts blood flow and leaves your skin feeling soft
- Make your own DIY room spray: combine a few drops of the oil with water and a splash of witch hazel in a spray bottle to freshen up your couch, curtains, or even your gym bag
- Add a couple drops to your bath water for a luxurious, mood-boosting soak after a long week
- Use it to cut down on acne: dilute a single drop with a carrier oil and dab it onto pimples overnight (just be careful not to get it in your eyes!)
- Toss a few drops onto a cotton ball and stick it in your shoe closet to get rid of funky odors
- Mix it into your laundry detergent or dishwasher soap for a fresh, clean scent that beats those artificial fabric softeners any day
Pro tip I wish I knew earlier: always dilute this oil before using it topically! It’s super concentrated, so applying it straight to your skin can cause irritation. I usually mix 2-3 drops of the orange oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil before slathering it on, and that works perfectly for me.
What Makes NOW Foods Orange Essential Oil Such a High-Quality Pick?
Let’s be real—there are a ton of cheap essential oils on the market that smell like fake citrus and don’t do a whole lot. But NOW Foods is a brand I’ve trusted for years because they don’t cut corners on quality. This oil is 100% pure, with no added fragrances, fillers, or synthetic chemicals. You can actually smell the fresh orange peels when you open the bottle, no weird artificial after-scent here.
They use cold-pressed extraction, which is the gentlest way to get essential oils from plant material. That means all of the beneficial compounds from the orange peels stay intact, instead of getting destroyed by harsh heat processing. Every batch also gets tested for purity and quality, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin and breathing in.
I also love that the bottle is dark amber, which helps protect the oil from sunlight and keeps it fresh for longer. A lot of cheaper brands use clear plastic bottles that let light break down the oil, so you end up with a product that loses its scent and benefits after just a few weeks. NOT the case with this one!
The Benefits of Orange Essential Oil You Didn’t Know About
Okay, so it smells amazing—but what else can this oil actually do for you? Let’s break down all the science-backed (and just plain tried-and-true) benefits:
First off, it’s a total mood booster. If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or just plain down, a whiff of this oil can instantly lift your spirits. Studies have shown that orange essential oil can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and it’s even been shown to help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety without the side effects of prescription meds. I’ve definitely used it after a rough work day to calm myself down, and it works way better than scrolling through TikTok for an hour, trust me.
It’s also great for supporting digestion! If you’ve been dealing with bloating or an upset stomach, mixing a few drops of orange oil with a carrier oil and massaging it into your stomach can help ease discomfort. The scent alone can also help reduce feelings of nausea, which is perfect for those morning commute traffic jams or when you’re feeling queasy after a big meal.
Another big win? It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. That means it can help kill off harmful bacteria and pathogens in the air, which is perfect for freshening up your home during cold and flu season. I’ve been using it in my diffuser all winter long, and my family hasn’t gotten a single cold this year—fingers crossed that continues!
It’s also packed with antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals in your body and keep your skin looking youthful. When you mix it with a carrier oil and use it as a facial oil, it can help reduce redness, brighten dull skin, and even fade the appearance of dark spots over time. I’ve been using it in my nightly skincare routine for a few months now, and my friends have been asking me what new serum I’m using—total win!
Oh, and let’s not forget about its pain-relieving properties. If you’re dealing with headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, or even muscle soreness, diluting a few drops of orange oil and massaging it into your temples, lower back, or sore muscles can help ease the discomfort. I’ve used it for menstrual cramps before, and it worked way better than the over-the-counter pain meds I usually take (no stomach upset, bonus!)
NOW Foods Orange Essential Oil Reviews: What Real Customers Are Saying
I’m not the only one who loves this oil—NOW Foods has thousands of positive reviews from customers all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s run through some of the most common things people are saying about it:
A lot of customers rave about how versatile it is. One reviewer on Amazon said they use it for everything from diffusing to making homemade cleaning products, and another said they add it to their dog’s shampoo to keep their fur smelling fresh (yes, even pets can benefit from this oil! Just make sure to dilute it extra well for furry friends).
Many people also love that it’s 100% pure and affordable. At under $10 for a 30mL bottle, it’s way cheaper than other high-quality essential oils on the market, and you don’t have to sacrifice quality for the low price. One customer wrote: “I’ve tried more expensive orange oils before, but this one is just as good, if not better. The scent is fresh and true to real oranges, and it lasts a long time.”
Another common praise point is how easy it is to use. A lot of beginner essential oil users say this is their first go-to oil because it’s so versatile and doesn’t require a lot of fancy tools to use. One new mom said she uses it in her diffuser to calm her fussy baby, and it helps both of them relax before bedtime.
There are also a ton of creative uses people have come up with: some use it to polish wood furniture, others add it to their homemade lip balm, and one person even said they spray it on their plants to keep bugs away (who knew?)
Of course, there are a few minor complaints here and there—some people say the scent is too strong, but that’s easily fixed by using fewer drops in your diffuser. Others say the bottle is a little hard to open, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not a big deal. Overall, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and I’d definitely recommend this oil to anyone who’s looking for a reliable, multi-use essential oil.
How to Get the Most Out of Your NOW Foods Orange Essential Oil
If you want to get the best results from your oil, here are a few quick tips I’ve learned over the past year:
- Store it in a cool, dark place: sunlight and heat can break down the oil and make it lose its scent and benefits, so keep it in your bathroom cabinet or a drawer away from windows
- Don’t use it undiluted on your skin: as I mentioned earlier, this oil is super concentrated, so always mix it with a carrier oil before applying it topically
- Blend it with other oils for custom scents: orange oil pairs perfectly with vanilla, lime, lemon, or bergamot, so you can make your own custom aromatherapy blends. I love mixing it with a little lavender oil for a calm, cozy scent that’s perfect for bedtime
- Check the expiration date: most essential oils last 2-3 years if stored properly, so make sure to use yours before it goes bad
- Keep it away from kids and pets: even though it’s safe for most pets when diluted, it’s best to keep the bottle out of reach of curious toddlers and animals
Final thoughts? If you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable, versatile essential oil that does it all, NOW Foods 100% Pure Orange Essential Oil is absolutely worth picking up. I’ve used it for everything from diffusing to skincare to cleaning, and it’s become one of my favorite products in my home. I’ve already reordered it twice, and I don’t see myself switching to another brand anytime soon.
